Telescopes

Check for wear and tear, then be sure to test your scope before you buy

Telescopes are technically the ‘optical tube assembly’ (OTA) only, meaning that it doesn’t come with a mount or tripod. When deciding whether to buy a second-hand telescope, there are many questions you can, and should, ask. Has there been any damage to the mirror or lens? Feel free to ask for close-up images to check for scratches or coating blemishes. Is the tube damaged? Look at pictures of the tube to see if the item has been handled properly. The odd scratch and scuff to the side is fine, but anything significant should be mentioned in the seller’s advert – it could be a sign of misuse or damage. Get written confirmation that any ‘wear and tear’ you see has no effect on the optics. Are all caps and covers…

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The Astronomer's Yearbook (Digital) - 1 Issue, Astronomer's Yearbook 2022

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